Irish Literary Theatre

The Irish Literary Theatre, established by Lady Augusta Gregory, W.B. Yeats and George Martyn in 1899, set out a clear statement of intent ... 

First responses to Riders in the national press were marked by objections it contained studies of melancholy , according to the Independent, and, despite much of the old charm and delicacy , was too dreadfully doleful to please the popular taste .In the United Irishman - Arthur Griffith s paper so important in the controversy over The Shadow - Riders tragic beauty was noted, but the reviewer found the play wanting we need sunshine badly . Such reviews make evident that the Irish Literary Theatre was perceived to have responsibilities other than the simple performance of its chosen plays -the plays were held accountable for their entertainment value, but also for their politics and their representation of an Irishness whose definition was still under construction. 

Attends opening production of Irish Literary Theatre, The Countess Cathleen by W. B. Yeats second visit to Aran (iz Sept-7 Oct) outbreak of Boer War. 

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